Forest to Sky Wellness Day Event

On January 31st, 2026, SCBC and its partners welcomed over 170 guests to the “Forest to Sky Wellness Day” at the Malahat Skywalk!

Clients of Power to Be (PTB) and the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) excitedly braved the cool weather, rain, and fog to bring families and friends to enjoy the experience. Recognizing that transportation to the Malahat Skywalk (MSW) can be a barrier to accessing greenspace without a personal vehicle, a shuttle bus from downtown Victoria was generously organized by the Malahat Skywalk to transport more than 50 PTB and VIRCS participants. Additional participants also arrived on site in their own vehicles, and all were welcomed to enjoy the amazing Malahat Skywalk.

From left to right: Guests arriving off the shuttle bus; complimentary snacks provided by SCBC; a group of eventgoers stepping into the trail. Photos by Ariadne Boutsakis & Kelly Loch

Upon arrival, guests received free admission passes from MSW, complimentary snacks from SCBC, and a handout from SCBC identifying common wildlife and plants found at the Skywalk to enhance their learning experience about the natural environment. Throughout the event, participants were free to explore the site at their own pace; they also had the opportunity to join Candice McBryde for a guided Coastal Forest Bathing experience, with a complimentary cup of tea from Queen Bee Farms.

From left to right: view from the elevated TreeWalk; Candice leading a group on a guided Forest Bathing session; view of the Spiral Tower from the TreeWalk. Photos by Ariadne Boutsakis & Kelly Loch

As participants entered the forest and walked along the elevated TreeWalk, they were immersed among the treetops of Arbutus and Douglas Fir, lichen hanging from tree branches, drizzling rain, and the call of the Pacific Treefrog. Venturing further, guests wound their way to the top of the Spiral Tower, catching a glimpse of Finlayson Arm and the Gulf Islands below during a brief break in the clouds.

From left to right: Eventgoers making their way up and down the Spiral Tower; a participant capturing the view through the clouds; participants braving the Adventure Net. Photos by Ariadne Boutsakis & Kelly Loch

Although the heavy fog surrounding the Skywalk limited the view, there was no shortage of fun or adventure! Suspended in the clouds, children and adults alike braved the Tower’s Adventure Net and descended the Tower in the Spiral Slide. At the plaza, children could be seen playing on the playground; families gathering at the picnic tables and firepit with homemade lunches; and participants enjoying warm food and beverages at the Tower Plaza. As guests boarded the shuttle bus back to Victoria with smiling faces, they expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to spend time in nature with their family, friends, and communities.

From left to right: Children playing on the playground; visitors enjoying snacks and beverages at the Tower Plaza; families gathering for picnic lunches. Photos by Ariadne Boutsakis & Kelly Loch

Through conversations and surveys with guests, SCBC learned how special and meaningful this opportunity was. For many, this event marked their first (but not last!) visit to the Malahat Skywalk; for others who had visited the SkyWalk in the past, it was a welcome opportunity to revisit and share the experience with others in their communities. The shuttle bus was also an important factor for individuals and families who required transportation assistance. Folks of many ages and abilities joined the event, thanks to the Malahat SkyWalk’s accessible facilities designed for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or strollers!

Event surveys indicated that participants felt more relaxed, happy, and connected to their community and nature as a result of the experience. The responses also revealed that factors such as proximity to green spaces, access to safe and affordable transportation, a sense of safety, and social connections play a crucial role in facilitating access to nature. This supports research highlighting social capital as a significant factor in encouraging participation in nature-based activities among people of colour.

“Today was an amazing opportunity to spend time in nature with my family! I go on walks in nature with friends and people from my community every day. The greenspaces near where I live are flat and accessible, and walking in nature is important to my well-being.”
– Forest to Sky Wellness Day participant

Thank you to the Malahat Skywalk for your generous support, and to the staff at Power to Be, VIRCS, and the Malahat Skywalk for providing a welcoming and positive experience for guests. We are sure many hope to return!

From left to right: Bella Yan (MSW), Candice McBryde, and Jadrian Berkan (MSW); interpretive signage along Luke’s Lane Nature Trail. Photos by Ariadne Boutsakis & Kelly Loch

What is forest bathing?

Coastal Forest Bathing is a guided or self-guided wellness experience that encourages presence, awareness, and reflection through gentle movement and sensory engagement. It allows for time to breathe, space to notice, and permission to move forward gently. Throughout the experience, a facilitator or guidance materials provide simple prompts to encourage: